Lantern magic

By Barry Jarvis

Russell and Adam's lives were fairly normal until their uncle Colin came to stay. He brought with him a lantern that seemed to cause some very strange adventures.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barry Jarvis
• Release date: Mar 16, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311030580

Book preview

Lantern magic

(a fantasy of the eighties)

By Barry P Jarvis

Copyright 2015 Barry P Jarvis

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Chapter One

Russell sat at the bottom of the garden under the old apple tree; the only spot still shaded from the mid-day sun, which was slowly drying out the lawn. He stretched and sat up, trying to decide whether or not he had been asleep.

He looked up. Planes were a common enough occurrence so he wasn’t quite sure why this one should have attracted his attention. Perhaps his uncle was a passenger. Nonetheless, he felt a strange thrill of excitement. It was over in a few seconds and minutes later he had forgotten it entirely.

His brother, Adam a year younger, was still reading on the patio and hadn’t shown any signs of life for at least half an hour. He could have been a waxwork; it might have been more fun if he were.

There was an half-eaten apple by Russell’s side and for a moment he was tempted to throw it, but nothing short of a direct hit on the nose would have distracted Adam from the open book on his lap.

At least he’s doing something! Russell thought, not without some little envy.

Of course it was far too hot to do anything really energetic. He was twelve after all and needed his rest. But sitting around in the garden hardly constituted an exiting Saturday afternoon – particularly a Saturday in the school holidays. The first three weeks had already drifted by in a haze of mediocrity

The grass needed watering and perhaps he’d do that after dinner before the entire garden looked like a straw mattress. For the present he contented himself with thoughts of all the things he could be doing. But with his friend Bob in Blackpool, Jason in Cornwall and Adam with his head permanently stuck in a book, the first half of the break had hardly been momentous.

It hadn’t helped that in exchange for two holidays next year, they had forgone one this year – his father having to spend more time in the office on two new accounts.

Russell was sure that he must have been asleep earlier because he vaguely remembered having a strange dream. The content eluded him but for some reason just remembering it cheered him up. He decided that today was going to be the turning point of the holidays. Both Bob and Jason would be back by late afternoon and later his uncle was arriving.

An uncle he had never met and only knew of through postcards and letters from around the world. Perhaps this was why he was feeling strangely elated although he doubted it. Dad was ancient but his uncle was even older so it didn’t seem as if he would be much fun. And he would be staying until after Christmas which would be an age if he proved unbearable. The only saving grace was that they were organising a party the following evening which might be fun, a view his mother didn’t seem to share.

Peter Maunders come onto the patio carrying a dusty cardboard box, which he carefully set down on to the low concrete wall. Russell jumped to his feet eager to help, grateful at least for this minor distraction. His brother looked up momentarily; peering over the edge of his glasses. Satisfied that the book was far more interesting, he paid no further attention to the sudden activity.

I found these in the attic, Peter said, lifting cables and lights from the box. If they all work and the wire’s long enough, they’ll be ideal for the barbecue tomorrow night.

Russell held one end of the cable whilst his father arranged the lights around the garden fence. And then stood back looking thoughtful. By running an extension lead through the French windows to the nearest socket it would just work.

The kitchen window opened and Sue Manders craned her head out. Stop what you’re doing right now. Lunch is ready.

In a minute,Peter mumbled, still fiddling with the lights.

It’ll get cold. It’s on the table now.

Peter shrugged, realising the futility of further argument and prodded Adam, who had heard nothing of the conversation.

* * * * * * * * *

Are you going to spend all afternoon out there? Sue asked as she frowned at Adam who was trying to eat with a fork in one hand and his book in the other.

Peter winked at Russell. Actually I thought I might pop down the local for a game of darts, Be back about seven.

Russell cringed; knowing from past experience the reaction this would provoke from his mother. Would he never learn?

I hope you’re joking, Sue tossed this remark across the table.

I think he is, Russell intervened quickly before his father could make matters worse.

Sue grabbed the plates from the table. Pausing only to drop them into the sink, she turned and glared at her husband. Why on earth you had to organise a welcome home party for Colin I can’t imagine. I’m sure he won’t want a crowd of strangers here on his second night

He’ll enjoy it, Peter replied defensively. I can remember when we were younger the parties we used to go to… his voice trailed off as he mentally relived some of the wilder ones.

Yes I can imagine, Sue nodded. But you’re both older now. How long is it since you last saw him? Ten years? It’s a long time. People change!

Him? Never!

Having discarded his book for the time being, Adam started to say something but his mother was determined to make her point.

I’ll need some help around here this afternoon. I’m not having your brother seeing this place in a mess.

Peter was about to point out that since Colin would be staying for some months, there was every chance that he would, but instead he sighed. No problem. The boys can help me finish off outside. Anyway, we’ve got four hours before Colin’s flight lands at Gatwick. The he’s got to contend with the M25. We won’t see him before about eight.

What’s he like? Adam finally managed to get in a question.

You’ve seen photographs. His father said, somewhat side-stepping the issue.

Pretty blurred ones, Russell was quick to point out.

Peter nodded; trying to remember how his brother had looked the last time he had seen him- all those years ago. The photos Colin had sent from time to time certainly hadn’t given much indication. They had either been scenic views or images of his brother that were so indistinct it was difficult to recognise him.

He’s taller than me and three years older, he said finally, deciding to stick to safe ground.

Forty-one with amazing blond hair, Sue added.

Outside in the hall, the telephone rang. Sue answered, as she was still the only one on her feet. She was only gone a few minutes before they heard her replace the receiver, returning with a smug look on her face. Well, she began, looking directly at Peter. That was your brother. He managed to get an earlier flight and expects to be here in about an hour and a half. She cocked her head to one side and waited for someone to speak.

He’ll be here soon then, Peter remarked unnecessarily.

And if you three don’t get off your backsides, he’ll be at the door before we’ve done anything.

Peter pushed his sons out of the back door before Sue could elaborate.

* * * * * * * * * * *

Russell was deep in thought as he wandered round the fence, screwing in the bulbs. He wasn’t keen on having an unknown relative staying, Although he knew very little about his uncle, he had a pretty shrewd conception of the type of person he would turn out to be – stuffy, humourless and full of boring travel anecdotes.

Something his father had just said registered. What was that you just said?

Peter smiled and repeated that his brother had been quite a good magician when he was younger.

Oh, Russell responded, a spark of interest stirring. There was a something at the back of his mind that he couldn’t quite grasp – something that had happened earlier but he couldn’t recall what it had been. Would he do some magic for us?

I don’t know. We’re talking a long time ago. He may have lost interest. It was only ever a hobby. Sometimes you outgrow hobbies. And you’re not to start pestering him about it the moment he sets foot in the house. Just wait and see how things go.

Russell reflected that this was just the sort of remark adults always made when they wanted to avoid any further discussion, so he said no more.

Somehow, in spite of Russell’s daydreaming and Adam’s complete indifference, the cable was finally secured and the lights found tested. The boys were dispatched upstairs to wash and change, which they accomplished with as much noise as possible.

From above the noise of the Hoover, Sue was able to hear the sound of a car drawing up outside. With a woman’s natural curiosity, she peered through the curtains. My God! she shrieked, dissolving into instant panic. That looks like him now! Look at me, I look an absolute mess. She glared accusingly at her husband. You’ll have to see to him while I get myself decent.

The boys collided with her on the landing.

Not dressed yet? she cried. Your uncle's almost at the front door. Get a move on.

Dad’s always saying she’s excitable, Russell confided to his brother in a whisper.

Adam nodded wisely. Most women are, he replied.

Being an habitual late riser, Russell had long ago mastered the art of climbing in and out of his clothes with a speed that would have impressed Houdini. His brother was more meticulous and inclined to fuss about his appearance. Not surprisingly, he tended to look smarter whilst Russell looked untidily at ease in anything.

Downstairs the door bell chimed. Peter approached the front door apprehensively. It had, after all, been a decade since he had said goodbye to Colin at the airport. Colin could have changed dramatically.

Russell, first down the stairs, caught sight of his uncle framed in the doorway and raised his eyebrows in surprise. He knew his father was around six feet but Colin seemed to tower over him. And where was this stuffy globetrotter he expected? At first sight this man certainly didn’t impress him as boring; he bore no resemblance to Russell’s preconceived notions.

Well, are you all joining me out here or can I come in? Colin smiled at Peter.

Sorry, I was miles away then, Peter ushered his brother into the hall and then went out to help the taxi driver unload the biggest trunk Russell had ever seen. By the time Adam had finally finished dressing, Russell was helping to negotiate the trunk upstairs and into the spare bedroom.

Over coffee a few minutes later Peter and Colin had already begun to reminisce whilst the boys listened politely, understanding very little of the conversation. Even after their mother had joined them, feeling considerably refreshed and in command, the talk tended to dwell on boyhood escapades. To the impartial listener, these sounded either extremely silly or downright dangerous.

* * * * * * * * *

The TV stood silent in the corner of the room that evening. Russell, warming to his uncle more and more as the night wore on, was too absorbed to even consider watching MTV or the movies channels. Adam said very little; preferring to listen